Why Does My Dog Try to Lick My Breath?

Have you ever had your dog get up close and personal, sniffing and licking at your mouth when you talk or exhale? It might seem like an odd (or slightly gross!) habit, but this behaviour actually has deep roots in instinct, communication, and curiosity.

While it may feel like an invasion of personal space, for dogs, it’s a completely natural way of gathering information about their favourite humans. Your breath tells them a lot about you—what you’ve eaten, how you’re feeling, and even subtle changes in your body chemistry.

So why do dogs do this? And should you encourage or discourage it? Let’s dive into the fascinating reasons behind this behaviour.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Owners’ Breath?

Dogs interact with their world primarily through scent and taste. With over 300 million scent receptors in their noses (compared to our mere 5–6 million), their sense of smell is incredibly powerful. But they don’t just sniff to gather information—sometimes they lick as well.

Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs lick their owners’ breath:

1. Instinctive Puppy Behaviour

This behaviour can be traced back to early puppyhood. In the wild, wolf pups and other canines lick around their mother’s mouth as a way of encouraging regurgitation. This is how mother dogs would naturally provide their young with partially digested food before they transition to solid meals.

Even though domesticated dogs don’t rely on this method for food, many retain the behaviour as a form of social bonding or communication. Licking around a human’s mouth and breath could be a leftover instinct from puppyhood, especially in dogs that are particularly social or affectionate.

2. Gathering Information

Dogs are constantly analysing their environment, and your breath provides them with a huge amount of data. By licking or sniffing your breath, they can detect:

• What you’ve eaten – Dogs can identify food smells on your breath, and some may be particularly drawn to certain scents.
• Your emotional state – Dogs are incredibly attuned to human emotions. When we’re anxious, stressed, or excited, our body releases different hormones, and our breath can carry traces of these changes.
• Illness or changes in body chemistry – Some dogs have even been trained to detect medical conditions such as diabetes or seizures by picking up changes in their owner’s scent.

In essence, licking your breath is like reading a personal report about your recent activities, health, and mood!

3. A Sign of Affection and Bonding

For many dogs, licking is simply a way of showing love and affection. Just like they might lick your hands, face, or feet, licking your breath could be another way of seeking closeness with you.

Dogs often display licking behaviour when they are excited to see their owners, during moments of bonding, or when seeking comfort. If your dog licks your breath after a long day apart, it may be their way of reconnecting with you.

4. Taste and Food Association

Let’s be honest—dogs love food, and if your breath smells like something tasty, they’re going to be interested! If you’ve just eaten something particularly aromatic (like meat, cheese, or even a strong-smelling fruit), your dog may be drawn to the lingering scent on your breath.

Some dogs quickly learn that humans are a great source of food, especially if they’ve been given table scraps in the past. If they associate your mouth with delicious smells, they may try licking your breath as a hopeful attempt to get a taste of whatever you just ate.

5. Submissive or Attention-Seeking Behaviour

In dog social structures, licking can be a submissive gesture. Dogs may lick a more dominant pack member’s face as a way of showing respect and seeking approval. If your dog is particularly submissive or eager to please, they may lick your breath as part of this instinctive behaviour.

Alternatively, licking could simply be a way for your dog to get your attention. If they’ve noticed that licking your breath makes you laugh, react, or interact with them, they may continue doing it because it gets a response.

Should You Encourage or Discourage This Behaviour?

Whether or not you allow your dog to lick your breath is entirely a personal choice. For some owners, it’s a sweet and endearing gesture. For others, it’s an invasion of personal space or a little too unhygienic.

If you’d rather discourage the behaviour, here are some tips:

• Redirect their attention – If your dog tries to lick your breath, gently turn your face away and encourage them to do something else, like sitting or playing with a toy.
• Reward alternative behaviours – If your dog approaches you without licking, reward them with praise or treats to reinforce a different way of greeting you.
• Avoid unintentional reinforcement – If you laugh, talk, or give attention when your dog licks your breath, they may interpret it as encouragement. Instead, try ignoring the behaviour and only interacting when they stop.
• Provide mental and physical stimulation – Some dogs lick excessively out of boredom. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, playtime, and enrichment to keep them engaged in positive ways.

Final Thoughts

Licking your breath might seem strange to us, but for dogs, it’s just another way of exploring the world, bonding with their humans, and gathering information. Whether it’s an affectionate gesture, an instinct from puppyhood, or simple curiosity, your dog is trying to connect with you in their own unique way.

If you don’t mind the behaviour, there’s no harm in letting them continue. But if it’s not your cup of tea, gentle redirection and positive reinforcement can help curb the habit.

Does your dog lick your breath? Or do they have any other quirky behaviours? Let us know in the comments below! 🐶🐾

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended as a general guide and should not replace professional veterinary or behavioural advice. If your dog exhibits excessive licking, obsessive behaviours, or sudden changes in behaviour, it may be worth consulting a qualified veterinarian or professional dog trainer for personalised advice.